A Final Judgment for Possession is a court order issued by a judge in an eviction lawsuit. It officially declares that the landlord is entitled to regain possession of the rental unit because the tenant has breached the lease or remained in the property after the lease term expired. It may also include a money judgment for unpaid rent and court costs.
How It Applies to Florida Landlords
In Florida, receiving a Final Judgment is the necessary precursor to filing a 'Writ of Possession.' Once the judge signs the judgment, the landlord must take it to the Clerk of Court to initiate the formal removal process. You cannot physically remove a tenant yourself; only the Sheriff can execute the Writ of Possession once the Final Judgment is in hand.
Key Takeaways
- The Final Judgment is a legal requirement before the Sheriff will evict a tenant.
- Always ensure your eviction paperwork is accurate to avoid a judge denying the judgment.
- You can often request a money judgment alongside the possession judgment.
- Work with an attorney to ensure the process complies with Chapter 83 of the Florida Statutes.